Donald Ray Hein

Donald Ray Hein, 85, of Fishers Indiana was called to the Lord Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Don Hein was born May 24, 1940 in Oelwein, Iowa to the late Rev. Herman and Marie (Reyelts) Hein. Don was a remarkable athlete at Waverly High School, playing for the conference champion Waverly football team, pitcher for the Waverly baseball team, and playing forward for the Waverly basketball team having been named First-Team All-State in basketball, leading his team to the championship game of the Class A Iowa State tournament. Don graduated Waverly High School class of 1958. In 1960, Don was named Athlete of the Year at Wartburg College, holding basketball records for his scoring average, overall points scored over 24 games (534), and his .861 free throw percentage. He played his last two years of basketball at the University of Northern Iowa, where he started for legendary coach, Norm Stuart, graduating with a major in Speech and English.

Don Hein began his broadcasting career with WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, where he met long-time weather colleague, Bob Gregory. Hein came to Indianapolis in 1969 to provide Pacer’s ABA coverage for WTHR-13; he was the Pacer’s television play-by-play announcer and brought fans all three of the Pacer’s ABA Championships in 1970, 72, and 73. Don Hein provided exceptional sports coverage, as Sports Director for WTHR-13, for over 3 decades with his tell-it-like-it-is style. He will be remembered for his professionalism and unmatched quality of reporting local sports. Don had a passion for connecting with athletes and coaches to bring his audience coverage of the latest record-breaking features of our star athletes. Hein was always willing to help teach interns interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting.

Of Don’s many achievements, he was named Sportscaster of the Year three times by Associated Press and United Press International. He was honored as the state’s best play-by-play announcer nine consecutive seasons. Don won acclaim from the National Association of Racing Writers and Broadcasters. He was presented special awards from the Indiana State Football and Wrestling Coaches Associations, and distinguished Media Service Award by the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Hein received the Distinguished Award from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He was awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award for exemplary reporting. Don Hein was also a Member of the Sportscasters/Sportswriters Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Indiana Television Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2004.

In Don’s personal time, he was an avid golfer and racquetball and pickleball player. He was on the Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band and announced concerts for them and The New Horizons Band, while also being a member of the tuba section. Don enjoyed ballroom dancing with his wife. He also found time to volunteer teaching at Butler University, reading to the blind and officiating youth sports. Don found joy in the simple moments of togetherness with family and friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen (Battles) Hein; daughters Lisa (David) Goode and Amy Armstrong; step-children Danell (Gary) Duff, Doug (Jennifer) Dulin, and Darron (Teresa) Dulin; grandchildren Kasey (AJ) Hodges, Shanon (Justin) Bannister, Jay, Benjamin and Daniel Armstrong; six great-grandchildren; brother Herman (Carol) Hein and sister Karen (Mike) Green. Don is preceded in death by wife of nearly 50 years, Judith Ann (Panella) Hein and daughter Michelle Ann Hein.

A special thank you to Jessica and all the staff with Luminary Hospice for making him feel comfortable and well cared for and to all the wonderful staff and nurses at Independence Village for all their dedicated care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Don’s honor Friday July 11, 2025 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis IN. There will be no viewing, as cremation was chosen. Visitation will be held from 1-3pm, with service beginning at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to dementia research (alz.org), in memory of Don Hein.

Donald Ray Hein may have left this world, but his legacy, compassion and success will continue to live in the hearts of all who admired him. In the words of Don Hein, “That’s all, Sports Fans... I’ll be hanging up now!